RSU has benefited from funds through the Opioid Abatement Board, sponsoring initiatives for drug awareness, drug take backs, Naloxone distribution and more.
Last month, RSU held its annual Spring Safety Week, which included a drug take back event (including expired medications and needles), Naloxone distribution, lock box/bag distribution and prevention education.
Funding for this was made possible in part from a multi-million dollar grant to combat the opioid crisis, of which, RSU was one of the beneficiaries.
Last fall, more than $12 million in grants was divided among 85 different entities within the state, with Rogers County/City of Claremore receiving $506,000 to help the community address the opioid epidemic.
Opioid Abatement Program Manager Scott Greenland explains.
“This grant is the result of the lawsuit brought against the big pharmaceutical companies, drug distributors, manufacturers and retailers, with the settlement funds getting doled out to attorney general’s offices,” Greenland said. “Oklahoma’s attorney general’s office opened applications for the grant money by cities, counties, school districts, or a combination thereof.
“In 2024, Rogers County and the City of Claremore submitted a joint application, for which, they hired me – an independent contractor – and I manage the grant,” he said.
Last year, the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board (OAB) divided more than $12 million in grants, ranging from almost $20,000 to $700,000. From the $506,157 granted to Rogers County/City of Claremore, RSU will also benefit from the programs and projects made possible from these funds.
“In terms of overall projects, there are several in Rogers County Jail handled through Family and Children’s Services of Tulsa, such as GED classes and Parenting in Jail classes,” he said. “Outside of that, are things I’m involved in, such as harm reduction and prevention services. Those cross both ways, especially with the public schools and Rogers State University.”
RSU’s Drug Prevention Coordinator Roxanne Bilby said the partnership with Greenland and the OAB will directly impact RSU students by providing services and supplies to combat the opioid crisis in the state.
Greenland continued.
“What we’re doing is connecting with the schools, this includes RSU, to understand how we can work together at harm reduction and prevention, which involves a Naloxone (NARCAN) distribution strategy, NaloxBox emergency kits, and medical lock bags or boxes — anything that will keep someone from getting their hands on something they shouldn’t,” he said, “as well as, if someone does overdoes, keep them alive. That can involve training for school nurses and counselors, etc. – anything in that realm.”
In 2024, there were a total of 116 overdose incidents in Rogers County, 105 of which were in private residences, and 11 of which were at businesses.
The grant has partnered with several local events, including National Night Out in partnership with the Claremore Police Department, Shamrockin’ Family Fun Day at the Claremore Community Center in partnership with the Rogers County Health Department, as well as Spring Safety Week at RSU, which was held in cooperation with RSU’s Drug Prevention Office.
Greenland said he’s working with Bilby to place emergency overdose kits in high traffic areas on the RSU campus, as well as considering several other future programs to combat the opioid crisis in Claremore and Rogers County.
“This (opioid crisis) is a major issue, at every level – grade school children through senior citizens, and everything in-between,” he said. “Statewide, it’s a major issue, and sadly, it’s all too easy for someone to unintentionally overdose, or become addicted to opioids. Through this grant, through these partnerships – and RSU has been great – Roxanne is a rock star and her reputation in the community precedes her – we’re hoping to make an impact and I am excited to partner with RSU.”